Astuteness: Self Review
- personal995
- Jun 20, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 14
Introduction
Richard Feynman, the great physicist, once said, “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself — and you are the easiest person to fool.”
We need to check in with ourselves and keep ourselves honest. We all stray from our Values, Goals and The Path. That is normal, that is okay. What we do when we realise we have strayed is what matters.
The Socratic method is a form of cooperative, argumentative dialogue to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. It is named after the classical Greek philosopher Socrates, who employed this method in his teaching.
In the Socratic method, instead of providing direct answers to questions, a person engages in a dialogue to explore and clarify their own (or others) thoughts and beliefs. This process involves asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and uncover underlying assumptions or contradictions.
When applied to the self, the Socratic method becomes a means of self-inquiry and reflection.
Process
In the tradition of the Socratic method, the below is a series of questions to consider when checking in with yourself as you progress:
Review each question one at a time. Are you being honest with yourself? Do you truly know your position and progress?
The Self Review Worksheet in The Workbook can be used to help document your thoughts, answers and plans for moving forward.
Based on your review, thoughts, answers and plans for moving forward:
Do you need to adjust your Models & Theories to course correct or move forward?
Do you have further Lessons to learn to adapt your approach?
Are there Tactics that could assist you to better handle specific scenarios?
Whatever the answers are you discover about yourself, whether positive or negative, it doesn't really matter. What matters is what you do next.
Continually learn, continually improve and move forward.
Self Review
1. How clearly do I define the problem before attempting to solve it?
Consider the clarity of your problem definition. Astute decision-makers start by precisely defining the problem to ensure a targeted and effective solution.
2. Do I actively seek out relevant information and perspectives, or do I rely on readily available data?
Reflect on your information-gathering habits. Astute decision-makers proactively seek a diverse range of information and perspectives to inform their decisions.
3. What criteria do I use to prioritize factors and considerations when faced with complex decisions?
Assess your criteria for prioritization. Astuteness involves identifying and giving appropriate weight to key factors that influence decision-making.
4. How well do I manage uncertainty and ambiguity when making decisions?
Reflect on your comfort level with uncertainty. Astute decision-makers navigate ambiguity with confidence, using it as an opportunity rather than a hindrance.
5. Do I consciously explore alternative solutions and consider their potential outcomes before settling on a decision?
Consider your exploration of alternatives. Astute decision-makers thoroughly explore various solutions, assessing potential outcomes and consequences before making a final decision.
6. How do I balance analytical reasoning with creative thinking in problem-solving?
Reflect on your balance between analytical and creative approaches. Astuteness often involves integrating logical analysis with creative thinking to generate innovative solutions.
7. What measures do I take to anticipate and mitigate potential risks associated with my decisions?
Assess your risk management strategies. Astute decision-makers proactively identify and address potential risks, developing mitigation plans to minimize negative impacts.
8. How effectively do I communicate my decisions to relevant stakeholders, and how open am I to feedback?
Reflect on your communication and feedback processes. Astute decision-makers ensure clear and transparent communication, actively seeking and considering feedback from stakeholders.
9. What hidden factors or uncertainties could significantly impact the outcome of this decision or problem, and how can I unveil them?
Explore the layers of uncertainty by probing for hidden variables that may influence the situation.
10. When faced with an untrustworthy actor, what questions can I ask to assess their motives and intentions without revealing my own strategic position?
Craft questions that tactfully probe for insights into the motives of unknown or untrustworthy actors.
11. In a complex problem, what unique perspectives or unconventional angles can I explore through astute questions that others may have overlooked?
Identify overlooked nuances in a problem by posing questions that challenge conventional thinking and reveal unexplored dimensions.
12. How can I use questioning to navigate ambiguity and reveal valuable information without disclosing my own uncertainties?
Employ questions as a strategic tool to navigate through ambiguity, extracting information while maintaining a guarded stance.
13. In a situation marked by uncertainty, what questions can I ask to uncover hidden opportunities or advantages that others might overlook?
Uncover hidden possibilities by posing questions that prompt exploration beyond the surface challenges presented by uncertainty.
14. When interacting with unfamiliar entities, what clever questions can I ask to discern their true capabilities and potential hidden agendas?
Craft questions that cleverly reveal the true nature and capabilities of unknown actors, providing insights into potential hidden agendas.
15. When faced with a seemingly unsolvable problem, what questions can I ask to break down the complexity and identify novel solutions?
Break down complex problems by posing questions that dissect the intricacies, paving the way for innovative and unconventional solutions.
16. In uncertain situations, what questions can I ask to uncover assumptions and challenge preconceived notions, opening up new avenues for problem-solving?
Challenge assumptions and break through mental barriers by asking questions that provoke deeper contemplation and reevaluation.
By posing these self-reflective questions you can deepen your awareness of your current position. In turn, enhancing the clarity and most important steps of your strategic approach moving forward.
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